Dorking and Mole Valley Athletics Club (DMVAC) has chosen two local charities - Dyscover and Patchworking Garden Project - to support financially in 2026.

We urge you to consider a donation to either of these two worthwhile charities that do sterling work in their own fields.

Club chair John Baker, says: "This is the second year the club has decided to make charitable donations and I’m delighted to say the two chosen charities have welcomed the move with enthusiasm."

The initiative has been driven by club members’ desire to aid local charities that support better health and well-being. The idea originated during Covid lock-down when club members felt the need to support local people.

As well as your individual donations, DMVAC will give each charity 20% of the profit from the club’s premier Dorking 10s road races. This well-regarded and long-established annual event takes place this year on Sunday 7 June.

Claire Blunden, race director for the Dorking 10s, adds: "I feel very privileged and am looking forward to be working with Patchworking Garden Project and Dyscover over the coming months and on the day of the event. I am delighted the club has selected two wonderful charities to support this year."

Dyscover

Dyscover is a specialist, community-focused charity supporting people living with aphasia - a communication disability often caused by stroke or brain injury. Aphasia can affect speaking, understanding, reading, and writing, and it can suddenly change many aspects of daily life.

Dyscover provides long-term, expert support through structured group programmes, practical communication strategies, and a warm, welcoming environment that helps members rebuild confidence and reconnect with others. The charity’s skilled team supports people in finding new ways to communicate, rediscover independence, and feel understood.

Fundraising for Dyscover helps extend this vital support to more individuals and families facing the daily challenges of aphasia, ensuring access to the specialist guidance, encouragement, and community that can make a life-changing difference.

https://dyscover.org.uk/

Patchworking Garden Project

The charity is a social horticultural project established in 2014 in a walled garden on the outskirts of Dorking and in the lee of Box Hill. Run entirely by volunteers it offers gardening, crafting and the opportunity to learn new skills in a safe and friendly space for those living with a physical or mental health condition, learning disability or a challenging life situation. Those who would benefit from time away from their caring duties are also welcome.

It has also established the Patchworking Academy to provide City and Guilds Levels 1 and 2 in Practical Horticulture course for up to 10 students who gain a recognised qualification with the aim of finding employment in a job they really enjoy.

In the Garden, the charity currently supports some 90 individuals with a further 50 people (volunteers) working alongside its supported volunteers.

https://patchworkinggardenproject.co.uk/